The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix joins together professionals who have turned their passion for the mountains into their own job. This term “Guide” covers different trainings and certificates, which every professional can choose according to his preferences.
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Mountain guides are the experts of the high mountains, their main activities are skiing and mountaineering. Mountain leaders are true connoisseurs of the local fauna, flora and culture. Their main activities are hiking and snowshoeing. Rock-climbing specialists, climbing instructors focus on this specific activity.
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Differents certificates
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In order to practice these professions, it is mandatory to follow a specific training and get a state certificate. To access the training, each candidate has to prove his experience in an interview and pass an exam including technical exercises. Lasting several years, the training covers different topics that are the object of theoretical and practical courses. During this training, future guides can already work with specific limits as aspirant or stagiaire. Guides work on their own-account as self-employed professionals. They can join a local association (“bureau” or “compagnie”) or can work as service providers. More rarely, they can work as employees.
Thanks to the environment in which it is practiced, the profession of mountain guide has a special place in the collective imagination. Despite the context of global warming, it is still a very attractive job. The training lasts 4 years and takes place at the “Ecole Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme” in Chamonix. Among the 180 candidates who go through the first exam every year, only 50 complet the training and get the final certificate.
The profession of mountain leader is strictly linked to the knowledge of the mountain environment, as well as teaching skills. The training lasts 3 years and takes place in the « Centre National de Ski Nordique et de Moyenne Montagne » in Prémanon, in the Jura region. Around 50 mountain leaders obtain their certificate every year.
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Becoming a member of the Compagnie des Guides
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In order to become a member of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, guides must be irreproachable professionals and able to lead all types of guests. They need to be rooted in the Mont Blanc region and willing to join an associative project. New members are voted once per year by the general meeting and then celebrated at the Guides' festival during the summer.
